IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines: Lapu-Lapu Triathlon Triumph

Community Marketplace x IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City 2025

A Grand Celebration of Food, Fashion, Festivities, and Community!

　
This August, Lapu-Lapu City is set to become the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts, families, and cultural advocates as it hosts an action-packed week of events. At the center is the prestigious IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City, happening on August 10, 2025, accompanied by a series of exciting side events including the Community Marketplace x IRONMAN 70.3, the 2GO Fun Run: Reyna Bulakna Edition, and the beloved IRONKIDS Aquathlon.

　
From seasoned athletes to first-time racers, local artisans to proud Cebuanos—this week-long celebration is a showcase of resilience, heritage, and unity.

August 1–10, 2025 - The Mactan Newtown

The Community Marketplace returns with greater purpose and energy as it partners with the IRONMAN 70.3 event. The Mactan Shrine will be transformed into a vibrant marketplace, featuring a curated collection of local products, artisanal crafts, wellness booths, street food, souvenirs, and eco-friendly goods
　

　
The goal: to empower local entrepreneurs, support sustainable practices, and create an engaging, family-friendly atmosphere for athletes, tourists, and residents alike. It's more than shopping—it’s a celebration of Cebuano creativity and pride.

2GO Fun Run: Reyna Bulakna Edition

August 8, 2025 - Cebu Province Founding Anniversary

As part of the 456th Cebu Province Founding Anniversary, the 2GO Fun Run adds a unique twist this year with the Reyna Bulakna Edition. Inspired by the legendary wife of Datu Lapu-Lapu, the run encourages participants to dress in vibrant, warrior-themed costumes.

This fun run is open to all ages and fitness levels, offering categories for kids, adults, families, and even pets. It's a joyful mix of fitness and folklore, reminding everyone that strength runs deep in the Cebuano bloodline.

IRONKIDS Aquathlon

August 9, 2025 - Mactan Newtown Beach

 
The IRONKIDS Aquathlon returns to give young athletes aged 6 to 15 a chance to shine. Held at the scenic Mactan Newtown Beach, this event combines swimming and running, tailored for kids in a safe and supportive environment.

IRONKIDS is more than just a race—it promotes health, confidence, and sportsmanship, often serving as the spark that inspires children to someday compete in the full IRONMAN. Families fill the beach with cheers and encouragement, turning it into a celebration of youth and dreams.

IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City 2025

August 10, 2025 - Mactan Island, Cebu

Location: Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines
Race Start: 5:30 AM
Venue Hub: Mactan Newtown, Punta Engaño

The crown jewel of the week is the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City, set on August 10. Athletes from across the globe will converge in Cebu to take on the iconic 70.3-mile challenge:

Swim - 1.9 km Calm open-water swim starting at Newtown Beach

Bike - 90 km Scenic but challenging route crossing CCLEX (Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway)

Run- 21.1 km Fast, coastal run along Punta Engaño and Mactan’s iconic roads

This world-class triathlon pays homage to the courage of Datu Lapu-Lapu while boosting sports tourism in the Visayas. Safety, hospitality, and logistical excellence are guaranteed by the joint effort of the city government, local authorities, volunteers, and passionate organizers.

From the bustling Community Marketplace, to the family-centric IRONKIDS, the heritage-rich Fun Run, and the adrenaline-charged IRONMAN race, this celebration offers something for everyone.

It’s not just about medals and mileage—it’s about legacy, unity, and pride. Lapu-Lapu City is not just hosting a race. It’s telling a story. A story of heroes, of rising together, and of showing the world the power of Cebuano spirit.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City 2025 is an international long-distance triathlon race. It’s part of the globally recognized IRONMAN 70.3 series organized by The IRONMAN Group, and it combines swimming, biking, and running into a single endurance event.
　

Top Recommended Points – IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City 2025

1. Race Start / Swim Start – Mactan Newtown Beachfront

Newtown Beach, Punta Engaño
Race starts around 5:30 AM
Best spot to see the dramatic swim start and elite athletes charge into the water.

2. Transition Area (T1 & T2) – Mactan Newtown

Near Plaza Magellan / Mactan Newtown Parking Area
Athletes move here after the swim (T1) and again after the bike leg (T2).
High-energy zone — ideal for supporters and close-up shots.

3. Bike Route Viewpoint – Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)

Mid-bridge sections or entry points in Cordova or Cebu City
Iconic shots of athletes cycling with open sea and skyline views.
Note: Access may be limited due to safety and closures — best for media pass holders or drone footage.

4. Run Course Hotspots – Punta Engaño Road

From Mövenpick Hotel to Amisa Residences / Arterra
Perfect for seeing runners up-close.
Local bands, cheer squads, and hydration stations often set up here.

5. Finish Line – Mactan Newtown Beachfront or Main Stage Area

 Main stage by the beachfront
Fastest finishers expected around 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Most emotional moments — smiles, tears, and victory jumps.
Great for fan support and victory photos.

Whether you're racing, supporting, shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere you are part of something extraordinary.
　

Road Closures & Traffic Advisory – IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu 2025

Here are the expected road closures and traffic advisories for the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City 2025 happening on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City 2025 – Road Closures & Traffic Advisory
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
Road Closure Time: 4:00 AM – 12:00 NN (times may vary based on race flow)

Main Road Closures – Lapu-Lapu City (Start/Finish: Mactan Newtown)

• Mactan Newtown Blvd. – Full closure (race venue)

• Newtown Beach Road

• MEZ 2 Access Road

• Punta Engaño Road – Partial to full closure (Newtown to Movenpick)

Access limited to residents and accredited vehicles.

Bike Route Closures

1. Punta Engaño → MEPZ & Airport Road – 4:00 AM–7:00 AM (partial/full closure)

2. CCLEX – 4:00 AM–10:00 AM (north & southbound fully closed; no private vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, or cyclists)

3. SRP (Cebu City) – Coastal Road, SRP Tunnel, Il Corso–Talisay closed; use inland routes via Talisay/N. Bacalso Ave.

Suggested Alternate Routes

• Lapu-Lapu → Cebu City: Cross bridges before 4:00 AM (Old Mactan-Mandaue or Marcelo Fernan). Expect delays in Pusok, Basak, Pajo.

• Cebu City → Talisay: Avoid SRP 5:00 AM–10:00 AM; use N. Bacalso Ave.

Reminders

• Plan travel ahead if near affected areas.

• No parking on race roads starting Aug 9 (night).

• Stay clear of race routes during closures.

• Spectators welcome in designated viewing zones only.

IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu‑Lapu is more than just a race—it’s a festival of athletic excellence and cultural pride. Athletes face a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike (with CCLEX), and a 21.1 km run, all under tropical conditions. With elite competition, fun side events like Reyna Bulakna Run, IRONKIDS, and Sunrise Sprint, plus strong local engagement, it delivers an unforgettable racing and festive experience.